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| Author | Gentner, T.Q.; Fenn, K.M.; Margoliash, D.; Nusbaum, H.C. | ||||
| Title | Recursive syntactic pattern learning by songbirds | Type | Journal Article | ||
| Year | 2006 | Publication | Nature | Abbreviated Journal | Nature |
| Volume | 440 | Issue | 7088 | Pages | 1204-1207 |
| Keywords | Acoustic Stimulation; *Animal Communication; Animals; Auditory Perception/*physiology; Humans; *Language; Learning/*physiology; Linguistics; Models, Neurological; Semantics; Starlings/*physiology; Stochastic Processes | ||||
| Abstract | Humans regularly produce new utterances that are understood by other members of the same language community. Linguistic theories account for this ability through the use of syntactic rules (or generative grammars) that describe the acceptable structure of utterances. The recursive, hierarchical embedding of language units (for example, words or phrases within shorter sentences) that is part of the ability to construct new utterances minimally requires a 'context-free' grammar that is more complex than the 'finite-state' grammars thought sufficient to specify the structure of all non-human communication signals. Recent hypotheses make the central claim that the capacity for syntactic recursion forms the computational core of a uniquely human language faculty. Here we show that European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) accurately recognize acoustic patterns defined by a recursive, self-embedding, context-free grammar. They are also able to classify new patterns defined by the grammar and reliably exclude agrammatical patterns. Thus, the capacity to classify sequences from recursive, centre-embedded grammars is not uniquely human. This finding opens a new range of complex syntactic processing mechanisms to physiological investigation. | ||||
| Address | Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA. tgentner@ucsd.edu | ||||
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| Language | English | Summary Language | Original Title | ||
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| ISSN | 1476-4687 | ISBN | Medium  |
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| Notes | PMID:16641998 | Approved | no | ||
| Call Number | refbase @ user @ | Serial | 353 | ||
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| Author | Cameron, E.Z. | ||||
| Title | Facultative adjustment of mammalian sex ratios in support of the Trivers-Willard hypothesis: evidence for a mechanism | Type | Journal Article | ||
| Year | 2004 | Publication | Proceedings. Biological sciences / The Royal Society | Abbreviated Journal | Proc Biol Sci |
| Volume | 271 | Issue | 1549 | Pages | 1723-1728 |
| Keywords | Age Factors; Animals; Body Constitution; *Evolution; Female; Glucose/metabolism/physiology; Litter Size; Male; Mammals/*physiology; *Models, Biological; Reproduction/physiology; Seasons; Sex Factors; *Sex Ratio; Time Factors | ||||
| Abstract | Evolutionary theory predicts that mothers of different condition should adjust the birth sex ratio of their offspring in relation to future reproductive benefits. Published studies addressing variation in mammalian sex ratios have produced surprisingly contradictory results. Explaining the source of such variation has been a challenge for sex-ratio theory, not least because no mechanism for sex-ratio adjustment is known. I conducted a meta-analysis of previous mammalian sex-ratio studies to determine if there are any overall patterns in sex-ratio variation. The contradictory nature of previous results was confirmed. However, studies that investigated indices of condition around conception show almost unanimous support for the prediction that mothers in good condition bias their litters towards sons. Recent research on the role of glucose in reproductive functioning have shown that excess glucose favours the development of male blastocysts, providing a potential mechanism for sex-ratio variation in relation to maternal condition around conception. Furthermore, many of the conflicting results from studies on sex-ratio adjustment would be explained if glucose levels in utero during early cell division contributed to the determination of offspring sex ratios. | ||||
| Address | Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa. ezcameron@zoology.up.ac.za | ||||
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| Language | English | Summary Language | Original Title | ||
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| ISSN | 0962-8452 | ISBN | Medium |
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| Notes | PMID:15306293 | Approved | no | ||
| Call Number | refbase @ user @ | Serial | 413 | ||
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| Author | Huebener, E. | ||||
| Title | Movements of Trunk and Back of the Horse from a Rider's View | Type | Journal Article | ||
| Year | 2004 | Publication | Tierärztliche Umschau | Abbreviated Journal | Tierärztl. Umschau |
| Volume | 6 | Issue | Pages | 327 | |
| Keywords | walk – trot – canter – pain – damages | ||||
| Abstract | The trunk and back movements of the horse during locomotion determine seat position and leg aids of the rider, this is the basis for horse-oriented and cultivated, sensitive riding. In their tendency these movements could now be derived from the foot sequences of the basic paces. The realizations are verified by video. By translating these movements into diagrams, the author is making an attempt to present the current state of knowledge for non-riding scholars and academically oriented riders alike. The acceptance of the prepared riding knowledge would be improved if one could produce measured values of the horse's back and trunk movements. An appeal of a rider for relevant, scholarly research. | ||||
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| Language | German | Summary Language | Original Title | ||
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| Notes | Approved | no | |||
| Call Number | refbase @ user @ | Serial | 437 | ||
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| Author | Hemelrijk,C. K.; Wantia,J.; Gygax,L. | ||||
| Title | The construction of dominance order: comparing performance of five methods using an individual-based model | Type | Journal Article | ||
| Year | 2005 | Publication | Behaviour | Abbreviated Journal | Behaviour |
| Volume | 142 | Issue | 8 | Pages | 1043-1064 |
| Keywords | dominance order, ranking method, agent-based model, statistical method, aggression | ||||
| Abstract | In studies of animal behaviour investigators correlate dominance with all kinds of behavioural variables, such as reproductive success and foraging success. Many methods are used to produce a dominance hierarchy from a matrix reflecting the frequency of winning dominance interactions. These different methods produce different hierarchies. However, it is difficult to decide which ranking method is best. In this paper, we offer a new procedure for this decision: we use an individual-based model, called DomWorld, as a test-environment. We choose this model, because it provides access to both the internal dominance values of artificial agents (which reflects their fighting power) and the matrix of winning and losing among them and, in addition, because its behavioural rules are biologically inspired and its group-level patterns resemble those of real primates. We compare statistically the dominance hierarchy based on the internal dominance values of the artificial agents with the dominance hierarchy produced by ranking individuals by (a) their total frequency of winning, (b) their average dominance index, (c) a refined dominance index, the David`s score, (d) the number of subordinates each individual has and (e) a ranking method based on maximizing the linear order of the hierarchy. Because dominance hierarchies may differ depending on group size, type of society, and the interval of study, we compare these ranking methods for these conditions.We study complete samples as well as samples randomly chosen to resemble the limitations of observing real animals. It appears that two methods of medium complexity (the average dominance index and David`s score) lead to hierarchical orders that come closest to the hierarchy based on internal dominance values of the agents. We advocate usage of the average dominance index, because of its computational simplicity. |
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| Notes | Approved | no | |||
| Call Number | refbase @ user @ | Serial | 445 | ||
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| Author | Miller, G. | ||||
| Title | Animal behavior. Signs of empathy seen in mice | Type | Journal Article | ||
| Year | 2006 | Publication | Science (New York, N.Y.) | Abbreviated Journal | Science |
| Volume | 312 | Issue | 5782 | Pages | 1860-1861 |
| Keywords | Altruism; Animals; Behavior, Animal; *Empathy; Formaldehyde/administration & dosage; Mice/*psychology; Motivation; Pain/*psychology; *Social Behavior | ||||
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| Language | English | Summary Language | Original Title | ||
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| ISSN | 1095-9203 | ISBN | Medium |
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| Notes | PMID:16809499 | Approved | no | ||
| Call Number | refbase @ user @ | Serial | 461 | ||
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| Author | Dunbar, R. | ||||
| Title | Evolution of the social brain | Type | Journal Article | ||
| Year | 2003 | Publication | Science | Abbreviated Journal | Science |
| Volume | 302 | Issue | 5648 | Pages | 1160-1161 |
| Keywords | Animals; Animals, Wild; *Cognition; Endorphins/physiology; *Evolution; Female; Grooming; Hierarchy, Social; Language; Neocortex/anatomy & histology/physiology; Papio/physiology/*psychology; *Reproduction; *Social Behavior; Social Dominance; Social Support; Vocalization, Animal | ||||
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| Address | School of Biological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK. rimd@liv.ac.uk | ||||
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| Language | English | Summary Language | Original Title | ||
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| ISSN | 1095-9203 | ISBN | Medium |
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| Notes | PMID:14615522 | Approved | no | ||
| Call Number | refbase @ user @ | Serial | 548 | ||
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| Author | Lindberg, A.C.; Kelland, A.; Nicol, C.J. | ||||
| Title | Effects of observational learning on acquisition of an operant response in horses | Type | Journal Article | ||
| Year | 1999 | Publication | Applied Animal Behaviour Science | Abbreviated Journal | Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. |
| Volume | 61 | Issue | 3 | Pages | 187-199 |
| Keywords | Horse; Observational learning; Stereotyped behaviour; Operant behaviour; Breed influence; Age influence | ||||
| Abstract | The effect of observational learning on the acquisition of an operant response was examined in eighteen riding horses and ponies. The test horses were randomly divided into three groups of six and individually exposed to one of three treatments. An additional horse was trained as a demonstrator, to perform the operant response. The observer horses watched either the demonstrator performing the bin-opening response (Group D+B); the demonstrator standing passively (Group D); or the operant bin in the absence of the demonstrator (Group B). Observers had access to and were free to interact with an identical bin during testing. Observers in Groups D+B and D were socially familiar with the demonstrator. Each test horse was tested once a day for 10 days. An ANOVA revealed no significant differences between treatment groups in the number of responses or the time taken to reach the learning criterion. However, there were highly significant differences between breed types, with non-warmbloods performing more bouts of opening the bin and feeding (p=0.02), feeding from the bin sooner (p=0.01) and reaching the criterion for learning sooner than warmbloods (p=0.05). There was also a significant negative linear relationship between horses' ages and time spent investigating the bin, with younger horses performing more investigative behaviour (y=-3.08x+106.86; p=0.02). | ||||
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| Notes | Approved | no | |||
| Call Number | refbase @ user @ | Serial | 562 | ||
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| Author | Linklater, W.L.; Cameron, E.Z.; Stafford, K.J.; Veltman, C.J. | ||||
| Title | Social and spatial structure and range use by Kaimanawa wild horses (Equus caballus: Equidae) | Type | Journal Article | ||
| Year | 2000 | Publication | New Zealand Journal of Ecology | Abbreviated Journal | New Zealand J. Ecol. |
| Volume | 24 | Issue | 2 | Pages | 139-152 |
| Keywords | Bachelor male; Band; Density; Habitat use; Home range; Management proposals; Micro-climate; Vegetation monitoring; habitat use; home range; mammal; social structure; spatial distribution; New Zealand; Equus caballus | ||||
| Abstract | We measured horse density, social structure, habitat use, home ranges and altitudinal micro-climates in the south-western Kaimanawa ranges east of Waiouru, New Zealand. Horse density in the Auahitotara ecological sector averaged 3.6 horses.km-2 and ranged from 0.9 to 5.2 horses.km-2 within different zones. The population's social structure was like that of other feral horse populations with an even adult sex ratio, year round breeding groups (bands) with stable adult membership consisting of 1 to 11 mares, 1 to 4 stallions, and their predispersal offspring, and bachelor groups with unstable membership. Bands and bachelor males were loyal to undefended home ranges with central core use areas. Band home range sizes varied positively with adult band size. Home ranges overlapped entirely with other home ranges. Horses were more likely to occupy north facing aspects, short tussock vegetation and flush zones and avoid high altitudes, southern aspects, steeper slopes, bare ground and forest remnants. Horses were more likely to be on north facing aspects, steeper slopes, in exotic and red tussock grasslands and flush zones during winter and at lower altitudes and on gentler slopes in spring and summer. Seasonal shifts by bands to river basin and stream valley floors in spring and higher altitudes in autumn and winter are attributed to the beginning of foaling and mating in spring and formation of frost inversion layers in winter. Given horse habitat selectivity and the presence of other ungulate herbivores, results from present exclosures are likely to exaggerate the size of horse impacts on range vegetation. Proposals to manage the population by relocation and confinement are likely to modify current social structure and range use behaviour and may lead to the need for more intensive management in the longer term. | ||||
| Address | Ecology Group, Institute of Natural Resources, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, New Zealand | ||||
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| ISSN | 01106465 (Issn) | ISBN | Medium |
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| Notes | Cited By (since 1996): 12; Export Date: 21 April 2007; Source: Scopus; Language of Original Document: English; Correspondence Address: Linklater, W.L.; Ecology Group; Institute of Natural Resources; Massey University; Private Bag 11-222 Palmerston North, New Zealand; email: wlinklater@hotmail.com | Approved | no | ||
| Call Number | refbase @ user @ | Serial | 793 | ||
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| Author | Lansade, L.; Bertrand, M.; Bouissou, M.-F. | ||||
| Title | Effects of neonatal handling on subsequent manageability, reactivity and learning ability of foals | Type | Journal Article | ||
| Year | 2005 | Publication | Applied Animal Behaviour Science | Abbreviated Journal | Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. |
| Volume | 92 | Issue | 1-2 | Pages | 143-158 |
| Keywords | Horse; Neonatal handling; Manageability; Emotional reactivity; Learning-ability; Human-animal relationship | ||||
| Abstract | Behaviour is an important factor to be taken into account in the various uses of horses. Today horses are mainly used for sport and leisure activities. They should therefore be easy to manage, calm and not fearful. Early handling is known to improve manageability and learning ability and to reduce fearfulness in various species. It has become fashionable in the horse industry to use an early training procedure, referred to as “imprint training”, which is said to produce durable if not permanent effects. However, no studies concerning the long-term effects of such neonatal handling have been carried out in horses. The present study examines the short- and long-term effects of neonatal handling on manageability, general reactivity and learning ability of foals. Twenty-six Welsh foals were studied: 13 were handled daily for 14 days from birth and 13 were non-handled controls. The handling procedure consisted of fitting a halter, gently patting all parts of each foal's body, picking up feet and leading over 40 m. Two days, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year after the end of the handling period, foals underwent behavioural tests to measure their manageability and various aspects of their reactivity. The results showed that neonatal handling has only short-term effects on manageability: 2 days after the handling period, handled animals were significantly easier to handle than controls for the four parameters measured during this test (time to fit a halter, time to pick up feet, walk ratio that is time during which foal walks under constraint/total time measured during leading and number of defensive reactions). Two parameters (time to fit a halter and walk ratio) were still lower in handled foals than in non-handled foals 3 months later and only one 6 months later (walk ratio). One year later there was no difference between groups. In addition, there was no effect of handling on reactivity at any time of testing or in any of the tests (reaction to isolation from conspecifics, presence of a human, presence of a novel object and to a surprise effect). Finally, neonatal handling did not improve the spatial or discriminative learning abilities measured at 14 months of age. To conclude, the effects of neonatal handling are only temporary. | ||||
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| Call Number | refbase @ user @ | Serial | 841 | ||
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| Author | Lansade, L.; Bertrand, M.; Boivin, X.; Bouissou, M.-F. | ||||
| Title | Effects of handling at weaning on manageability and reactivity of foals | Type | Journal Article | ||
| Year | 2004 | Publication | Applied Animal Behaviour Science | Abbreviated Journal | Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. |
| Volume | 87 | Issue | 1-2 | Pages | 131-149 |
| Keywords | Horse; Handling; Weaning; Manageability; Emotional reactivity; Fearfulness; Human-animal relationship | ||||
| Abstract | The horse's temperament, including its manageability and reactivity and/or fearfulness, is of importance as it can result in problems and can render horses unsuitable for inexperienced riders. Early experience, including handling during infancy, may influence the horse's adult behaviour and reduce its fear of humans and other potentially frigthening situations. In the various species studied, handling has generally been undertaken during the neonatal period. The aim of the present study was to test the effects of handling young horses around the time of weaning, a period which has been demonstrated to be effective in increasing ease of handling in cattle and goats. Sixteen Anglo-Arab foals were handled for 12 days either immediately following weaning (early handled: EH) or 21 days later (late handled: LH); eight additional non-handled foals served as controls (C). Handling consisted of haltering, gently petting all parts of the body, picking up feet and leading the foal over 120 m. During handling sessions, EH were easier to handle than LH: time taken to fit them with a halter, to pick up feet, and “walk-ratio” (time walking under constraint/total time walking) were significantly lower for EH. During subsequent tests conducted over 2 days, 4, and 7 months, as well as 10 months and to some extent 18 months after the end of handling period, EH and LH were easier to handle and less reactive than controls, although differences diminished with time. The period following weaning can therefore be qualified as an “optimal period” for handling. Some of the effects persist for at least 18 months. | ||||
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| Notes | Approved | no | |||
| Call Number | refbase @ user @ | Serial | 842 | ||
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